Microsoft isn't overly concerned about its struggles in the tablet industry, according to a top executive. (Source: Reuters)

Company is unconcerned about the iPad and its Android counterparts

Jean-Philippe Courtois, president of Microsoft International, in an interview with Reuters, delved into the topic of tablets. When asked whether Microsoft was concerned about the iPad and other tablets affecting the company's dominance of the PC market, he states, "Devices are going to go and come."

Microsoft is currently partnering with Intel to roll out 10 or more Windows tablets this year. But those tablets, like the currently available HP Slate 500, don't have an operating system refined for touch (they run Windows 7). And while they may offer compatibility for some files that competing tablets cannot (e.g. the iOS-powered iPad and Android devices), they are expected to also have inferior battery life, as Intel Atom SoCs are currently less power-efficient than competitive ARM SoCs used in these rivals.

In the long term Microsoft plans to fix those problems by embracing ARM and releasing a version of Windows fine-tuned for tablets. Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer announced that Windows 8 will support ARM processors at CES 2011. Much like Android 3.0 Honeycomb, Microsoft’s Windows 8 will also have a build refined for a touch-driven tablet world.

But Windows 8 may not arrive until 2012 -- or later.

Recent reports revealed that when tablets are factored in to Apple's PC market share, it jumps to number two on the list of top worldwide PC sellers, passing Dell. And Android devices are heating up too, with the Samsung Galaxy Tab selling well and Honeycomb devices launching this Spring.

Mr. Courtois says that even if Microsoft faces an uphill battle in the tablet market, those problems will be offset by Microsoft information technology gains in developing markets. He states, "We see some growth across the world both in developed countries and in emerging countries and that helps the IT spending (outlook)."

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quote: The hard part though is understanding when you are one of these people...because they don't know it. Here is one way to tell. Picture you're in a large pitch black warehouse with many other people. How do you tell when you are standing in the center? Fact is you can't. You can hear an equal number of voices from every direction but that may be due to an unequal distribution. Here is one thing you can tell though..when you are in the extreme. If ALL the voices are to one side then regardless of distribution you can be certain you are near a wall.

So tell me Tony, who here has a more Pro-Apple view than you? That direction is silent of voices.

Only in this neck of the woods.

The reason I started posting around here was to counter the absurd anti-Apple hyperbole that seemed to have become the norm on this forum. There are many, many other forums that are much more balanced and many that tilt towards Apple (just as there some that tilt towards Microsoft or Google or Open Source).

Sometimes in my comments I am driven to sarcasm, moments I must admit I enjoy but which I often regret a bit, usually when I am provoked by some stupendously stupid comment.

Generally I just try to put forward reasonably well argued positions, positions that may be partisan but isn't that the reason one indulges in debate, to encounter countervailing ideas?

I'm sure there are Apple forums and other such fat camps that can make any kid look skinny.

quote: The reason I started posting around here was to counter the absurd anti-Apple hyperbole that seemed to have become the norm on this forum.

Why?

Don't assume because someone goes on an anti-Apple rant that we don't see through it just like you do. If you fight a retard by being one yourself then everyone just dismisses two people instead of one.